short term course in Belgium (Study)?
I want to do a short term course (6 mtnhs -1 year) in belgium. My beloved is in Belgium on Work permit visa and i want to join him. Can some one please suggest me some courses which help me in getting a STUDY VISA... I having diploma in hospitality and travel mgmt. , currently an undergraduate. If there are some management courses..any diploma or any toher course..please suggest me
Belgium - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Whilst there are a lot of study possibilities in both French Speaking part of Belgium and Flanders most if not all are post graduate level: masters or doctors. For more info google "Erasmus" it is the most important scholarship program in the EU.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Self-Employed in Belgium
Self-Employed in Belgium?
Hello. I am an EU National, who has recently moved to Belgium to work as independent consultant. I am now about to sign a contract with the first client, and already have an Enterprise number and VAT registration. My question is: how to determine the fee rate? Eg - if you want to end up with EUR 2000 per month as net payment? I know that things such as social contribution (EUR630 p/quarter) and income tax need to be paid. Can you please, give me an advice how to calculate the gross (contractual) rate? Many thanks, Maria
Belgium - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I think you should contact a accountancy office and/or a service organisation for entrepreneurs (like Unizo http://www.unizo.be/eu/ the most known in the Flanders region). For instance your invoices must contain the necessary information. Do know what is the VAT for your kind of consultancy? The normal percentage is 15%, but like for everything in Belgium there are a lot of special cases... Calculating your income taxes is also not so simple. Basically you pay different percentages for different scales (starting with 0% for the lowest scale up to 55% for the highest top of you income). But it depends also of your family situation, and for instance how many costs you can take into account. It is also important to think about paying a part in advance because you get a interesting discount in that case. Again, an account can help you the best.
Hello. I am an EU National, who has recently moved to Belgium to work as independent consultant. I am now about to sign a contract with the first client, and already have an Enterprise number and VAT registration. My question is: how to determine the fee rate? Eg - if you want to end up with EUR 2000 per month as net payment? I know that things such as social contribution (EUR630 p/quarter) and income tax need to be paid. Can you please, give me an advice how to calculate the gross (contractual) rate? Many thanks, Maria
Belgium - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I think you should contact a accountancy office and/or a service organisation for entrepreneurs (like Unizo http://www.unizo.be/eu/ the most known in the Flanders region). For instance your invoices must contain the necessary information. Do know what is the VAT for your kind of consultancy? The normal percentage is 15%, but like for everything in Belgium there are a lot of special cases... Calculating your income taxes is also not so simple. Basically you pay different percentages for different scales (starting with 0% for the lowest scale up to 55% for the highest top of you income). But it depends also of your family situation, and for instance how many costs you can take into account. It is also important to think about paying a part in advance because you get a interesting discount in that case. Again, an account can help you the best.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Work Permit for foreign national in BELGIUM
Work Permit for foreign national in BELGIUM?
Hi everyone, My boyfriend recently finished a IT stagiare with BBTK/SETCA trade union under an internship programme in conjuction a South African University. Shortly after completing his internship, he received a job offer from Company X, to work as a consultant. When we first heard the news, we were obviously ecstatic. But when Company X started to say that would not apply for a work permit from him, things started to go sour. At the time I hadn't read any Belgian publications concering labor laws in Belgium,so I wouldn't have known that what Company X was doing, was illegal. However, my boyfriend's former boss managed to negotiate with them (somehow) and convince them to apply for a work permit on his behalf. He signed the contract after hearing this, and started to work for them on August the 30th. Now, my boyfriend recently received news from a lawyer employed by his former trade union boss, that his request for a work permit was rejected, on the basis of him not earning enough for what they called a 'highly talented immigrant'. I am puzzled as to how Company X could have even offered him a job, knowing they aren't paying him enough to keep him on for as long as they wanted, and have since the decision, not relieved him of his duties as a consultant. From what I understand Company X would have made a plea on his behalf stating that there weren't any other suitable candidates in the Belgian job market, for the job. This is the reason I assumed they even went as far as to negotiate with his former boss-to hire him! In addition to this the process of requesting a work permit, was not made transparent to him-something that is REQUIRED under Belgian law and violates Company X's code of ethical conduct. Now that his request has been rejected, he has to make an appeal with the regional minister within 30 days, regarding their decision. His residence permit expires at the end of October. Does anyone know of a way of getting around this? Could he enroll in a school-apply for training?etc. All Help is appreciated, Thank you
Belgium - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
This is an official site of the Belgian governement with information about working visa. http://www.belgium.be/en/work/coming_to_work_in_belgium/work_permit/
2 :
We have read your question very carefully and will try to answer paragraph by paragraph. You say your man has recently completed a qualification – no problem with that – congratulations. Then you go on to say he received a job offer, now we are having some doubts…. Did he actually apply for the job or did it just appear? A straight yes or no answer is required. 2nd paragraph: Under EU law the employer is required by law to apply for the potential employee’s work permit, assuming one is required. If that was the case and a permit was required, the company would have to prove to the Belgian authorities that the potential employee had qualifications that were not available from an EU citizen. This process usually takes around six months as there is a lot of paperwork flying around, we know we have been through the process as an employer. During the process, in this case Belgium, will contact the potential employee asking them to visit their Embassy for an interview and bring all their papers. Did that occur? If it didn’t, something is very wrong…… something underhand is going-on as without the permit a non-EU national cannot take up the position on offer. 3rd paragraph: This make for very interesting reading as it does not hold water as a non-EU national cannot start work in an EU country without the permit – absolutely impossible – it does not happen. As for the salary question, that is irrelevant – providing an employer is paying more than the national minimum wage there is not a problem. Then you mention Directive 2003/109/EC – the “Blue Card Scheme†– so our question is what are your man’s qualifications as the rules of the scheme are very rigid!! Our question is: Does the "internship" count as a qualification for the "Blue Card" scheme? 4th paragraph: If your man is in Belgium, and working, without the necessary permit he has major problems, as has the company employing him. Both are breaking the law – simple as that – heads are going to roll, if what you say is correct. From the employers position he could be fined up to 10,000 Euros. The employee could, in theory, be deported and his passport stamped “persona non-gratiaâ€. No re-entry into the EU – ever. 5th paragraph: Now we are making a stab in the dark, working with the information you supply. The company, we think, has made the necessary representations to the authorities and completed the application but not waited for confirmation the permit has been granted. Permits are not always granted, for whatever reason, the employer is never told. Instead they have pre-empted the outcome and employed your man – very dangerous – especially in this case as the application has fallen. The company is at fault, they have not exercised their duty of care. 6th paragraph: The appeal procedure is very complicated, especially if your man does not understand the law or speak the language. Our advice is to contact a legal person who will represent him. As for the residence permit expiring, when it expires he must leave the country otherwise he is an illegal alien. Some advice: send us a private message, tell us who the company is and what his qualifications are, we might be able to point you in the right direction.
Hi everyone, My boyfriend recently finished a IT stagiare with BBTK/SETCA trade union under an internship programme in conjuction a South African University. Shortly after completing his internship, he received a job offer from Company X, to work as a consultant. When we first heard the news, we were obviously ecstatic. But when Company X started to say that would not apply for a work permit from him, things started to go sour. At the time I hadn't read any Belgian publications concering labor laws in Belgium,so I wouldn't have known that what Company X was doing, was illegal. However, my boyfriend's former boss managed to negotiate with them (somehow) and convince them to apply for a work permit on his behalf. He signed the contract after hearing this, and started to work for them on August the 30th. Now, my boyfriend recently received news from a lawyer employed by his former trade union boss, that his request for a work permit was rejected, on the basis of him not earning enough for what they called a 'highly talented immigrant'. I am puzzled as to how Company X could have even offered him a job, knowing they aren't paying him enough to keep him on for as long as they wanted, and have since the decision, not relieved him of his duties as a consultant. From what I understand Company X would have made a plea on his behalf stating that there weren't any other suitable candidates in the Belgian job market, for the job. This is the reason I assumed they even went as far as to negotiate with his former boss-to hire him! In addition to this the process of requesting a work permit, was not made transparent to him-something that is REQUIRED under Belgian law and violates Company X's code of ethical conduct. Now that his request has been rejected, he has to make an appeal with the regional minister within 30 days, regarding their decision. His residence permit expires at the end of October. Does anyone know of a way of getting around this? Could he enroll in a school-apply for training?etc. All Help is appreciated, Thank you
Belgium - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
This is an official site of the Belgian governement with information about working visa. http://www.belgium.be/en/work/coming_to_work_in_belgium/work_permit/
2 :
We have read your question very carefully and will try to answer paragraph by paragraph. You say your man has recently completed a qualification – no problem with that – congratulations. Then you go on to say he received a job offer, now we are having some doubts…. Did he actually apply for the job or did it just appear? A straight yes or no answer is required. 2nd paragraph: Under EU law the employer is required by law to apply for the potential employee’s work permit, assuming one is required. If that was the case and a permit was required, the company would have to prove to the Belgian authorities that the potential employee had qualifications that were not available from an EU citizen. This process usually takes around six months as there is a lot of paperwork flying around, we know we have been through the process as an employer. During the process, in this case Belgium, will contact the potential employee asking them to visit their Embassy for an interview and bring all their papers. Did that occur? If it didn’t, something is very wrong…… something underhand is going-on as without the permit a non-EU national cannot take up the position on offer. 3rd paragraph: This make for very interesting reading as it does not hold water as a non-EU national cannot start work in an EU country without the permit – absolutely impossible – it does not happen. As for the salary question, that is irrelevant – providing an employer is paying more than the national minimum wage there is not a problem. Then you mention Directive 2003/109/EC – the “Blue Card Scheme†– so our question is what are your man’s qualifications as the rules of the scheme are very rigid!! Our question is: Does the "internship" count as a qualification for the "Blue Card" scheme? 4th paragraph: If your man is in Belgium, and working, without the necessary permit he has major problems, as has the company employing him. Both are breaking the law – simple as that – heads are going to roll, if what you say is correct. From the employers position he could be fined up to 10,000 Euros. The employee could, in theory, be deported and his passport stamped “persona non-gratiaâ€. No re-entry into the EU – ever. 5th paragraph: Now we are making a stab in the dark, working with the information you supply. The company, we think, has made the necessary representations to the authorities and completed the application but not waited for confirmation the permit has been granted. Permits are not always granted, for whatever reason, the employer is never told. Instead they have pre-empted the outcome and employed your man – very dangerous – especially in this case as the application has fallen. The company is at fault, they have not exercised their duty of care. 6th paragraph: The appeal procedure is very complicated, especially if your man does not understand the law or speak the language. Our advice is to contact a legal person who will represent him. As for the residence permit expiring, when it expires he must leave the country otherwise he is an illegal alien. Some advice: send us a private message, tell us who the company is and what his qualifications are, we might be able to point you in the right direction.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Working in France/Belgium as an Australian/British
Working in France/Belgium as an Australian/British?
How hard is it to get work (legally) in France/Belgium as an Australian citizen or a British citizen. I ask this because I'm thinking of going there but I'm not sure if I'll go over with a student visa or just the working one (I'm crossing my fingers that I get accepted for a B in Languages - French)
Immigration - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Hi, If you are from UK, you can get a job without specific visa. France and UK are member of the European Union and the workers can cross the border. If you are Australian, you have to apply for a Visa to work. If you are Australian and student, you can get a part-time job.
2 :
As an Ozzie, it is quite a complicated process you would need to go through. A UK passport (NOT British expat passwort!) will open you all of the 'old' European Union member states including France and Belgium. In France, the job office ( www.anpe.fr ) must treat you as if you were a French citizen and may not discriminate you. They will give you all relevant information, especially where to go to obtain the 'permis de séjour' which you need to apply for as a strict formality. They cannot deny you this. Even in the large cities, it is unlikely that you will easily get along in a job if you do not speak and write French well. If not working for a very international company, meetings will be held in French only. As to Belgium, the registration process for the 'permis de séjour' in fairly much the same. However the national job office is completely different than in France and will only help you with unemployment benefits. For finding a (new) job, you have to check with the regional offices. 1 - Brussels capitale: ORBEM/BGDA (Office Régional Bruxellois de l'Emploi / Brusselse Gewestelijke Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling) 2 - région Wallonie: FOREM (Formation - Emploi) The flemish speaking part of the country has a separate office. Hope this was helpful for you.
How hard is it to get work (legally) in France/Belgium as an Australian citizen or a British citizen. I ask this because I'm thinking of going there but I'm not sure if I'll go over with a student visa or just the working one (I'm crossing my fingers that I get accepted for a B in Languages - French)
Immigration - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Hi, If you are from UK, you can get a job without specific visa. France and UK are member of the European Union and the workers can cross the border. If you are Australian, you have to apply for a Visa to work. If you are Australian and student, you can get a part-time job.
2 :
As an Ozzie, it is quite a complicated process you would need to go through. A UK passport (NOT British expat passwort!) will open you all of the 'old' European Union member states including France and Belgium. In France, the job office ( www.anpe.fr ) must treat you as if you were a French citizen and may not discriminate you. They will give you all relevant information, especially where to go to obtain the 'permis de séjour' which you need to apply for as a strict formality. They cannot deny you this. Even in the large cities, it is unlikely that you will easily get along in a job if you do not speak and write French well. If not working for a very international company, meetings will be held in French only. As to Belgium, the registration process for the 'permis de séjour' in fairly much the same. However the national job office is completely different than in France and will only help you with unemployment benefits. For finding a (new) job, you have to check with the regional offices. 1 - Brussels capitale: ORBEM/BGDA (Office Régional Bruxellois de l'Emploi / Brusselse Gewestelijke Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling) 2 - région Wallonie: FOREM (Formation - Emploi) The flemish speaking part of the country has a separate office. Hope this was helpful for you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)